Mahwah Township Council Candidate Profile: Gregg Sgambati

In preparation for Tuesday’s election, Patch asked the four candidates running for an unexpired term on the Mahwah township council to fill out the following “Patch Candidate Profile.”

Below are the answers Patch received from Candidate Gregg Sgambati.

Name: Gregg Sgambati
Age: 50

Where did you grow up? Please tell us a little bit about your education and profession.

Married, two children
Lived in Mahwah for 13 years. Lived in Arizona for 3 years. Lived in New York City all other years.
Website: www.citizengregg.com

Presently a corporate advisor providing strategic guidance to corporate officers and legal counsel on corporate social responsibility initiatives and good corporate citizenship. Also maintaining a leadership role in the New Jersey insurance industry. Instructor of Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility at Columbia University.

Post Education: Master of Public Administration, Columbia University
Undergraduate: NYIT, Engineering
Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP)
Several FEMA and Homeland Security certificaitons
Previous Certifications: FINRA Registered Investment Advisor
New Jersey Insurance Agent

Why are you running for a seat on the township council?

After 8 years of public service and many others in volunteerism, I would like to make a greater impact in my community, beginning with Mahwah. I am discouraged by the lack of leadership and the decisive and manipulative nature of politics. I know that I can do a better job of representing my town and state.

Since I have the training and background to advocate for the public interest (with the benefit of not being trained as an attorney), and I am able to lead through decisions from balanced introspection. I believe that the biggest contribution that I can make to my community is to volunteer and be elected to a leadership position that allows me to do the job honorably and kick out those who do not. In that role, I can stand up against and expose those who vote based upon an agenda and bring democratic leadership to the office.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the job?

I believe that I can make the most positive impact of any candidate running for Mahwah Council. I am qualified as a volunteer contributor in Mahwah and New Jersey for the last decade. There are three reasons to vote for me [this] week.

1. I am action-oriented. As a 4-year member of the Mahwah Environmental Commission, I recently project managed the first annual Mahwah Parks Day. I have written several articles for our town newsletter and for our Master Plan. I am presently working on Mahwah’s Sustainable Jersey certification. I have experience lobbying in Trenton. I know how to gather divergent views and make decisions based on the consensus opinion. 
2. I am the least partisan candidate. Mahwah's invisible politics has two factions. I am not part of any “Team” and I am not on the other side of that “Team”. I stand for maintaining a non-partisan Council in Mahwah and I am concerned that this seat which is being voted for this November will represent a swing vote. As such, the least partisan and most balanced candidate needs to be there and since I have no allegiance to either side, I can evaluate a balance of opinions before presenting a decision based on a majority view, I believe that I am the most objective candidate.
3. I am a community person. I have coached street hockey for five years and roller hockey for two years. I have volunteered as a first responder and vice president on a search and rescue team in New Jersey for eight years. 

What do you feel are some of the most important issues the township is facing?

1. The first most important issue is the need for a seventh Council person with balanced leadership. Without a a balance seventh person in the Council, issues will sway based upon a agendas and politics.
2. The second most important issue is the Council and Mayor agreeing on a balanced and prudent budget for next year that maintains existing community services and holds taxes at bay. Support for smaller government does not mean cutting payrolls, it means making wise decisions for the next year and the future. We have learned that this year we have spent over $100,000, apparently inadvertently.